“This grant is a good thing because it allows officers to focus on traffic enforcement,” Nichols said.

The grant will allow the department to focus on high-visibility enforcement, and it supports the “Click it or Ticket” program as well as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

From 2009-11, crash data reports there were 126 alcohol-related crashes in Boardman that caused 83 injuries and three fatalities, according to the police department.

In addition to utilizing awareness programs and adding more traffic enforcement, the township departments have worked together to tackle any traffic or road problems that would cause accidents, Nichols said.

The McClurg Road and South Avenue intersection is one area in particular the township has looked at and discussed the placement of a traffic light. There is just a stop sign on McClurg at this time. Nichols said a light should be installed next year.

Comments

Never saw a Boardman or Ohio State Police officer at the intersection of South Ave and Western reserve during rush hour. The intersection is constantly blocked by cars turning onto Western Reserve from South Ave and blocking traffic when the light turns green on Western Reserve.